Who Reads Books Anyway?

[Kulindahr]

^Give the Ubermensch a burger, I have to agree that other forms of media are as useful and valid as reading. It is natural that people would not read as much with all the other forms on information available. Still, there is something about reading and writing that sharpens and organizes thought better than other forms of media. Each media seems to have a different affect on the mind.

The other good reason for not reading today is the lack of really good things to read. The great literature that came out of the 19th century hasn't been equalled.

Oh, horse-hocky.
There's lots of great literature being written today. One may have to wade through heaps of niche novels to find it, but it's out there.
And it doesn't have to be "great literature" to be worth reading. If I could read fast enough, I'd add five books a month from the History Book Club, just for starters; I've only seen one there I wouldn't call really good writing. If they have it, others do, too -- like the Science Book Club -- which means that finding a dozen good books a month to read shouldn't be hard at all.

 

[Jersey Domino]

I know this is knda off topic but....

What the hell is so wrong with adults liking Harry Potter?

 

[boy0boy]

Re: Who Reads Books Anyway? I do.

Well I didn't feel like replying to the previous discussion, but instead just my own take on the subject.

I guess my reading started and has remained the same from when I was a kid. My mom always said the younger you start reading the more you appreciate it. So as a kid I enjoyed it and eventually I hit the stage where it was not cool to read, so I did like most and played video games and watched TV. But I had no idea that my passion and love of reading would hit me again in high school.

I can understand some people and their need to say that reading is "overrated," or absolute - because there are so MANY things to keep our attention easier and faster than a book ever could. It takes only a few minutes to log on the internet and look up your MySpace in comparison of getting to a juicy plot twist in a book. I guess why I understand these people is because as my opinion on most topics, too many people go to extremes instead of neutrality. Those who read sometimes like to consider themselves "smarter" or one of the "elite." Truth is; there is plenty of things you cannot learn from a book that you can in real life. You pride yourself on understanding the human character because you read and don't comprehend that some peoplelivethe lives you're reading about.

I find myself in the middle, I LOVE and truly enjoy reading, but at my own pace and leisure. I don't consider myself any better than anyone. I read about 10 books a year which isn't as much as three a week. But it really isn't a contest, I respect someone who reads one book equally as if they read 20. Reading is an amazing thing that has unfortunately been sent to the back burner as a result of technology. It's sad but deal with it. As long as we keep the interest of books alive for other generations people will continue to read.

 

[Kulindahr]

Nothing in my opinion, although I refuse to bother with them or the movies.

Snob .

 

[JayHawk]

What were we all doing when going through this thread? Whether it was as the post came in or all at once, the fact is, we were reading. How many of the Y generation are doing exactly that? It does not develop the same thought trains as a good mystery and maybe not the same sense of dread as a good horror story but it is reading. Is it different than what you grew to know? Is it dumber simply because it is different or because you dont relate? Change is good.

Me personally I love to read your average everyday classic book while I am laying in the pool. Not sittin in the pool in lieu of reading. What bothers me most really about the new medium is the lack of standards. With no standards then the newer generation with have a difficult time finding a way to tell the difference.

Meh

Much ado about nuthin from me.

Continue bashing rap

 

[Kulindahr]

^ Some good thoughts there.

I recently read half a book while on my back naked in an inner tube in a slow whirlpool in a river, drinking beer (SkinnyDip, of course).

 

[boy0boy]

Seems lots of you like non-fiction, although I do now and then, mostly lit fic for me

 

[pkermiver]

I'm a graduate student in mathematics. I spend anywhere from 50-70 hours a week doing math. When I get some free time, I tend to like to spend it giving my mind a break, usually tv or the internet.

During the summer my schedule is usually relaxed a little more, and I'll read a little. Usually historical fiction, horror, sci-fi, or a classic. I probably read about 5-10 books a year not counting the 10-15 math books.

I'm pretty sure there has been a year when I didn't read any books other than skimming books for classes. I can understand how people would not read at all in a year. I figure as long as you're keeping your mind busy in some fashion, it's not such a big deal if you're not reading.

I really don't think you can fault someone who has a very mind intensive job requiring intense thought for 50+ hours a week for not spending their free time reading. On the other hand, if you spend your days working at McDonald's and then come home and plop down in front of the tv all night, then you're really doing yourself a disservice.

 

[sparky95]

I'm a graduate student in mathematics. I spend anywhere from 50-70 hours a week doing math. When I get some free time, I tend to like to spend it giving my mind a break, usually tv or the internet.

During the summer my schedule is usually relaxed a little more, and I'll read a little. Usually historical fiction, horror, sci-fi, or a classic. I probably read about 5-10 books a year not counting the 10-15 math books.

I'm pretty sure there has been a year when I didn't read any books other than skimming books for classes. I can understand how people would not read at all in a year. I figure as long as you're keeping your mind busy in some fashion, it's not such a big deal if you're not reading.

I really don't think you can fault someone who has a very mind intensive job requiring intense thought for 50+ hours a week for not spending their free time reading. On the other hand, if you spend your days working at McDonald's and then come home and plop down in front of the tv all night, then you're really doing yourself a disservice.

I think that is an excellent point! My work tends to be more physical, so I find it pleasant to read at home. However if it was mostly "brain work",I would probably prefer to do something to exercise the body, not mind.

 

[RandomAccess]

Yes, pkermiver makes an excellent point. But, it seems the majority of non-readers may be of the type who lose themselves in movies. . . or video games. . . or watching sports. . . or TV. . . etc. at the expense of putting the "effort" into reading, comprehending, and visualizing. In other words, they seem lazy to me because they sit back and expect to be entertained without having to use their minds at all.

 

[springboksfan]

Just for fun, I thought I'd go take a look at my Amazon Wish Lists. I really am a total dork. Here's what I have made wishes for, should I ever win the lottery or something:

Pink Books & Fiction: 128
(Russian) Revolution & Civil War: 60
Romanov: 40
Russia: 73
Other Books: 108
World War II: 148
The Great War: 168

DVDs: 122
Music: 27

I'm not sure why I'm posting this, but here ya go. Anyone else want to share?

 

[RandomAccess]

Just for fun, I thought I'd go take a look at my Amazon Wish Lists. I really am a total dork. Here's what I have made wishes for, should I ever win the lottery or something:

Pink Books & Fiction: 128
(Russian) Revolution & Civil War: 60
Romanov: 40
Russia: 73
Other Books: 108
World War II: 148
The Great War: 168

DVDs: 122
Music: 27

I'm not sure why I'm posting this, but here ya go. Anyone else want to share?

Yes, Springy, you are a dork! I like your list though!

Hm, video games "seem lazy to" you, huh?

Perhaps I overstated. . . not being a fan of video games & all. But, while video games can excercise reflexes, accuracy, timing, etc., I doubt they do much to stimulate intellect.

 

[star-warrior]

for sure.

But ANY kind of reading is exercize for the mind. Be it fine literature or trashy novels.

Sitting like a zombie staring at a TV isn't going to help you. Reading and stimulating your mind will. Even if you're reading Mary Cheney's book.








Well, OK, maybe not Mary Cheney's book.

There's always Ann Coulter's anal garbage...

 

[lancelva]

Yes, pkermiver makes an excellent point. But, it seems the majority of non-readers may be of the type who lose themselves in movies. . . or video games. . . or watching sports. . . or TV. . . etc. at the expense of putting the "effort" into reading, comprehending, and visualizing. In other words, they seem lazy to me because they sit back and expect to be entertained without having to use their minds at all.

Well, I'm one of those who "lose" myself in watching sports, but I still manage to find time to read (thankfully). But you do have a point, people tend to keep making excuses about why they don't read when in the end it comes down to the fact that they aren't willing to put out the effort.

 

[lancelva]

On a side note, President Clinton will be releasing another book next month. Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World is "an inspiring look at how individual endeavors can save lives and solve problems, and it offers compelling examples of both citizen and corporate activism at work in the world today." The inspiration came from his post-presidential experiences as a public servant leading the Clinton Foundation. Like My Life, I know it will be a great read.

So, if you are looking to get back in the groove of reading, pick up your copy next month .